The Oklahoma Education Association reported to members $5 million in dues for the fiscal year just ending. If true, it represents $1 million plunge in its primary income source.
The figures were shared with members via the OEA’s Education Focus, its member newspaper.
It represents a staggering 16.6 percent plunge in what is inarguably its bread-and-butter revenue. OEA receives income assistance from the national parent organization, the National Education Association (NEA), some income from investments, as well as some income from unspecified sources.
Two years ago, the OEA’s dues income fell about $200,000. That year, top executive Lela Odom said the association lost 700 members due to state education budget cuts. Indeed, Oklahoma’s total teacher force fell 2,000 that year, to 48,000.
Education budget cuts continued this year, resulting in combined reductions of about 10 percent in the last two years.
CapitolBeatOK has obtained from a highly-placed source the OEA’s complete tax returns dating back to the tax years from 2005 to 2010.
The returns show income was increasing in 2005 through 2007.
The following is based on the OEA’s Internal Revenue Service tax year filings.
Fiscal year 2005-2006: $5.6 million in member dues income.
Fiscal year 2006-2007: $5.8 million
FY 2007-08: $6.2 million
FY 2008-2009: $6.1 million
FY 2009-2010: $5.9 million
For the year just ended, the organization published a story in its December/January member newspaper indicating income totaled $5 million.
CapitolBeatOK will double-check the data when it becomes available via public records.
CapitolBeatOK sent a request for comment to OEA’s leadership early Tuesday evening (January 24). If comments or an interview materializes, CapitolBeatOK will immediately supplement this story.
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